Takes One to Help One

Peer support, which is fundamental to 12-Step recovery programs, is also an integral part of the therapeutic environment of FFS.  Recently, a student who's been having trouble completing his class assignments because of poor time management skills was given a "peer mentor" to help him improve those skills.  It's a practical move, given that the student spends more time with his fellow students than he does with staff, teachers or even his counselor.  Of course the quality one-on-one time he spends with those adults is essential to his progress here; but so is the quantity of time he spends with his classmates and housemates.  Other students are simply more accessible to him, which is important to a troubled teen working through problems.  So is a peer's ability to relate, especially these peers who find themselves together at FFS because of similar struggles.  Holding oneself accountable to a peer is, for many teens, a bigger accomplishment than being accountable to an authority figure.  It often takes greater self-discipline and humility.  It also requires the ability to respect another whether or not they're in a position of power---something that can translate into greater self-respect, too.